FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sacramento, Calif. – The Sacramento County Division of Public Health has identified a rabies positive feral cat in the Wilton area. Though therisk of rabies to animals in the vicinity is low, pet owners should check pet vaccination records to ensure all pet vaccinations are up to date.

Symptoms of rabies in animals can include lethargy, aggressiveness, change in behavior, and trouble walking. All species of mammals aresusceptible to rabies virus infection. The rabies virus infects the central nervous system, ultimately causing disease in the brain. The earlysymptoms of rabies in people are similar to that of many other illnesses, including fever, headache, and general weakness or discomfort.Rabies in humans is preventable through vaccination.

The most common mode of rabies virus transmission is through the bite and virus-containing saliva of an infected host. It is important forall pet owners to vaccinate their pets including horses.

"This is a good reminder of the importance of vaccinating animals," said Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County Public Health Officer."Though rabies is more common in wild animals, pets can sometimes come into contact with an infected animal."

Rabies most commonly infects wild animals such as bats, skunks, and raccoons. Due to rigorous vaccination programs we rarely see rabiesin domestic animals in the United States. Sacramento County ordinances require that all owned cats and dogs over the age of 4 months becurrent on rabies vaccinations and licenses.

If you suspect that you or your pet came into contact with a sick or infected animal please contact Public Health at 916-875-5881.

* FOR MEDIA: The Public Health Officer will be available for interviews today between 2:00pm – 3:30pm. Please call 916-642-5508 to schedule an interview.